City of Rockaway Beach Monthly Update February 2, 2026

Posted on by Editor

By Mayor Charles McNeilly

Welcome to my City of Rockaway Beach Monthly Update with a look back at the month of January 2026.

I am excited to announce the launch of the new City of Rockaway Beach website, now hosted by CivicPlus and purpose-built for municipal government needs. This modern platform provides innovative ways for our city to engage with the community, features advanced meeting management software to enhance collaboration and openness, and offers significantly improved site and document search capabilities. The website fully complies with the latest federal accessibility standards and is designed to support future enhancements as our city continues to grow and our services expand. City Hall staff Lark Reifenstahl and City Recorder Melissa Thompson put a huge amount of time into this over the past 6 months, and I would like to give them a special thank you for pushing this new site across the finish line. There will be much more to come over next year as we grow into the full capabilities of the new platform, and we welcome your feedback.


I am pleased to announce our city’s partnership with Tillamook County Special Olympics, as Lake Lytle Park will be the site of the Polar Plunge event on Saturday February 28th at 11 am. The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraising event for Tillamook County Special Olympics and provides our local athletes with access to year-round sports, activities, and community activities. In addition to the plungers and athletes, the Rockaway Beach Fire Dept will be on site, and a team of Tillamook County Mayors are also joining the cause. To register or donate please go to  https://support.soor.org/tillamookco

Our Community Grant Program provides support for non-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and community entities that serve the Rockaway Beach community. The Small Community Grant is for requests up to $4,999 and the Large Community Grant is for requests from $5,000 to $20,000. The city will begin accepting applications on February 2nd with information and applications available under Community & Businesses on the city website.

Public Works Director Mertz and City Manager Shepard met with Tillamook Bay Port General Manager Michele Bradley for a productive discussion about a potential lease of Port of Tillamook Bay (PoTB) property to expand and improve parking in downtown Rockaway Beach. This initiative builds on a previous presentation to the Port Board by Mayor McNeilly. Following their meeting, GM Bradley committed to working with the city on a draft lease for the proposed area. City staff have also reached out to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to discuss next steps, including providing ODOT with a draft of the parking plan and arranging an onsite meeting to determine the best approach for maximizing parking. Coordination with the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is also part of the process.

City is scheduling an update to our five-year strategic plan. We are in communication with SSW Consulting to assist with a refresh of the plan in late summer or early fall this year. This will ensure our revised strategic plan is ready for the FY 27-28 budget. This update offers the city an opportunity to reconnect with the public, hear from our newest councilors and staff, and ensure our strategic plan remains a relevant guiding document as we move the city forward. Updates and scheduled public meetings in late summer and early fall are forthcoming.

CITY HALL 

The City was designated the prevailing party in the 2024 case regarding our election process (more formally known as Case No. 24CV37762, Daniel Howlett and Justin McMahan v. City of Rockaway Beach). Despite the city incurring nearly $50,000 in legal fees and productivity lost due to more than 200 hours of staff time over the past 18 months, we are pleased to announce the win and the lawful affirmation of our election process.

Finance Director Johnston posted the FY25-26 Second Quarter Financial Report on our city website.

Recently, we have seen an increase in illegal rinsing and cleaning of boats at the Lake Lytle boat launch. We have contacted both the Oregon State Police and the Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy for assistance. The city is planning to purchase and install additional signage as soon as we receive the recommended wording from law enforcement, ensuring that the message is clear and supports both education and enforcement efforts. Thank you, Councilor Konruff, for your persistence on this issue.

Budget season is upon us with the Budget Committee meeting at 5:00 pm on April 22nd and May 20th in the City Hall Council Room. I highly recommend that you attend these meetings as it is the best way to learn about projects planned for next fiscal year (FY2026-27).

The city renewed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) for another year with both Sustainable Northwest (acquisition of Lower Jetty Creek) and David’s Chair. It is a pleasure to work with both organizations.

I’m pleased to announce that the FY24-25 audit has been successfully completed by our independent CPA firm. Since becoming Mayor, I have consistently tracked and discussed each Financial Audit with City Manager Shepard. This year’s audit is particularly encouraging, as it once again reports positive balances in all categories of the City’s net position. Furthermore, the City’s overall net position has once again increased during the fiscal year. A special thanks to Finance Director Johnston and the entire city leadership team for their exemplary financial management. Your dedication and expertise continue to strengthen our city’s financial standing.

The Warming center at City Hall will open if a power outage lasts longer than 6 hours and will remain open until the power is restored. Even if the notification is not immediately visible, the center will be available. Also, bags for sandbags are available at City Hall with sand available on S.3rd across the street from Public Works.

FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

The Rockaway Beach Fire Department was featured on the cover of Ruralite Magazine recently, and in a two-page article. The article highlights the exciting growth our department and community have experienced in recent years, our commitment to investing in innovative life-saving equipment, strong fiscal responsibility, and the positive connections we continue to build within the community. It is great to see the years of diligent work by our Fire Chief and firefighters recognized beyond our city limits. Impressive job from Chief Hesse, Captain Grace, Firefighter Ryan Boos, and all the department volunteers!

Over the past few years, the Fire Department has dedicated significant efforts to training and skill development to better serve our community. While our team has focused on improving fire suppression techniques, major emphasis has been placed on earning medical certifications, particularly becoming certified EMTs. As we enter 2026, the department is embarking on an exciting new phase by pursuing additional certifications through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). Upcoming classes will cover areas such as apparatus operation, bumper operation, and aerial operation. Fire Chief Hesse is enthusiastic about the professional growth these opportunities will bring. Additionally, 2026 will feature further training in fire investigation, incident command, and mental health awareness.

The Fire Department conducted their annual Physical Agility assessment last week. The tests consist of a pre-agility medical screening, the test (which includes using a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), walking, carrying hose, climbing stairs, lifting a roll of hose with a rope, climbing a ladder, and dragging a charged houseline) and then a post agility medical evaluation to make sure the firefighter can return to normal duty. The test is used to ensure the firefighter can safely perform the rigorous tasks associated with firefighting. The medical screening is performed in-house and used to check for basic underlying health issues that may compromise a firefighter. Any serious issues will be referred to a medical doctor.

The Fire Department completed its bi-annual accreditation process last week. A representative from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training reviewed department training files and verified that training standards were being met. After the review, the Fire Department was approved for accreditation which allows the department to teach classes for state certification in-house.

The Fire Department has taken advantage of the recent dry weather by holding several additional training courses with the new ladder truck. Crews continue to gain confidence and enhance abilities. Roof placement and working off the ladder are the focus of recent training.

A recent walkthrough of our Radio Shack on the hill revealed a rodent problem. Work is needed to harden the structure, and a pest control company will be contacted to confirm eradication of the pests. The good news during the walkthrough was that all the communication equipment was in good working order.

The next Emergency Preparedness Meeting on Wednesday, February 4th will feature the Red Cross with Disaster Preparedness Training including planning, building a kit, and staying informed.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Planner Tapia has been working behind the scenes to organize planning records dating back to 2018, work that began when Planning Director Metz was the City Planner. Planner Tapia also prepared staff reports and presentation materials for two land use Public Hearings.

The Planning Department answered questions and reviewed permits:

  • reviewed two permits and approved a shed placement in the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) near Minnehaha and denied an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) placement off South Coral
  • approved five permits, including two mixed-use buildings on South 101 with a total of three dwelling units, and a single unit dwelling off South Easy.
  • many more permit requests are in the pipeline.

An update on the Nedonna Wave Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) case (LUBA 2025-069): In October, Nedonna Wave LLC appealed the City Council’s decision remanded by LUBA. On December 22nd, the City’s legal counsel filed a brief addressing some of the concerns raised by Nedonna Wave. LUBA heard oral argument on Tuesday, January 13th, and is scheduled to render its opinion by February 9th.

PLANNING COMMISSION

At the January Planning Commission meeting, City Planner Tapia provided a recap of 2025 and an overview of expected 2026 projects.

If any of the Planning Commission activities listed for January meeting are of interest, you can read the meeting materials and view recordings of all Planning Commission meetings on the city website Rockaway Beach Meeting Agendas & Minutes page.

PUBLIC WORKS

City has been working behind the scenes to get the Lake Lytle Recreation Area enhancements in motion. The contract for restroom facilities will come before the Council at their February meeting. These new restrooms will be a huge upgrade from the current vault toilet next to the lake—and will be the first of many steps to bring more residents and visitors to this outdoor gem. In addition to the restrooms, this first step will also see improved accessibility and ADA parking to ensure everyone can easily access and use the new facilities. Staff have been working closely with the City Engineer to plan for the offsite improvements and utility work needed to bring this project to life, including connections to the City’s water and sanitary systems, as well as providing needed trailer parking in the right-of-way of 12th St. The city was notified we have been awarded $50,000 from Tillamook Coast Visitors Association’s (TCVA) Facilities Grants. This funding will go towards the new restrooms at Lake Lytle. Thank you TCVA for your support on this project!

Management costs have now been added to the draft Forest Stewardship Plan, which are estimated at up to $25,000 annually. These expenses would be reduced considerably if road maintenance and brushing were conducted in-house through our own Public Works department. The estimates also include a one-time-thinning project expected to be completed within the next four years. This thinning work will accelerate the forest’s transition from a commercial production stand to a more natural forest and is estimated to cost around $158,000. Grants are available for this type of work. The draft Forest Stewardship Plan is currently under review by Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ comments will be incorporated into the plan, and then the final Advisory committee meeting will be held to finalize the plan and recommend that City Council approve the plan.

The Nedonna Beach Water Main Project is out to bid. This $3 million project will be one of the largest water main upgrades the City has undertaken in many years and is funded by a Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan, which is a partially forgivable loan. We are excited to get this project underway – as it will replace miles of aging Asbestos Cement (AC) water mains, which are a constant source of maintenance for Public Works staff. The replacement will also support the City’s water conservation goals.

Public Works Director Mertz and our legal team are working collaboratively to create a plan of action to move the trickle filter and sludge pump replacement project forward. You may recall that this project went out to bid last year and the construction contract was executed in June. Since then, City staff and engineers have been continuously pushing the contractor to complete their obligations under the contract, with little success. Our legal team is now stepping in to provide a final request for action. However, if the contractor remains unresponsive, the city will need to consider their options on how to proceed, as both pumps need to be replaced immediately.

Public Works continues to be busy and appreciate our two new hires to help. A sample of their activity in January is as follows:

  • repaired several water leaks including a leak located on the line feeding the Pacific View Estate reservoir booster station. Staff partnered with JM Excavation to make this emergency repair.
  • responded to a sewer blockage, on Nehalem Ave., where excessive grease was identified as the cause. Inspections were completed, and the likely contributor to the issue has agreed to implement a regular grease‑trap cleaning schedule to maintain compliance with City ordinance. Camera inspections identified several system issues, including a deteriorated private mainline on S. Highway 101, potential illegal connections in the 300 block of North Coral, and an infiltration and inflow issue near Nehalem Ave., with repairs scheduled. Contractors completed additional line cleaning where grease buildup exceeded the capacity of City equipment.
  • a section of failing sewer main in the business distinct was identified, and emergency repairs were made. Staff completed this work in-house and in one day – replacing ~100′ of 6″ sewer main, 4 service laterals, and a clean out at the end of the line. Completing this work in-house provided excellent cost savings for the city (the quote we received from a contractor to complete this work was $34,000).
  • replaced a damaged meter box on S. 3rd Street, repaired a water leak on NE 2nd Avenue, and completed 215 meter rereads and work orders.
  • at the Jetty Creek Water Treatment Facility, staff replaced multiple components, including check valves, a flange, and a valve and pressure gauges.
  • the Water Department completed an intensive flushing program, flushing 150 fire hydrants and 101 flushing vales over five days. This work is critical to maintaining water quality and system performance, with crews averaging approximately five minutes of flushing per location plus travel time and testing at each site. Flushing valves require additional time due to dead ends and more complex equipment hookups.
  • the Sewer Department conducted routine equipment maintenance, including oil changes on gear drives and modifications to check valves at 23rd Street Pump Station.
  • Public Works crews inspected the boardwalk and identified areas of advancing rot, addressed storm damage on South Lagoon Street, trimmed limbs along the boardwalk, completed park maintenance including playground surface and restroom repairs, and coordinated with an arborist to evaluate trees within the City’s right‑of‑way.
  • Public Works staff continued townwide water meter replacements, with most occurring in Nedonna Beach as the original meters reached the end of their useful life. Approximately 300 meters installed during the same period are now scheduled for replacement.
  • city received multiple complaints regarding locks and hand dryers at Wayside restrooms. Two dryers were replaced, and locks were lubricated. Staff are evaluating more reliable dryer options due to ongoing failures.
  • at Phyllis Baker Park, the restroom sustained damage after a porcelain toilet was broken and now requires replacement. Due to winter conditions, the restroom is closed during off‑hours and reopened during staff work hours.
  • wastewater system maintenance, water service repairs, and citywide preparations for king tides were undertaken. Crews drained, cleaned, and inspected the primary clarifier, addressed a gear‑drive failure, and continued routine sewer plant operations. They also completed several water service tasks, including restoring service on S. Beacon Street, replacing meter boxes in multiple neighborhoods, and installing a new meter on N. Highway 101.
  • staff managed flooding concerns, cleared creeks, culverts, outfalls, and catch basins before and after king tide events.
  • facility and community maintenance tasks such as replacing lockboxes, updating furnace filters at City Hall, cleaning debris from the boardwalk, and installing new garbage cans around Lake Lytle and the Wayside.
  • the department also made meter rereads, conducted interviews resulting in the hiring of two new Utility Workers, and assisted with a sewer inspection where a homeowner experienced backups caused by offset joints. Seasonal tasks like removing holiday décor were also completed.

CITY COUNCIL

The January City Council workshop covered the following:

Emergency Management Program Presentation. Fire Chief Todd Hesse updated the Council on the city’s emergency management program.

Review of Draft Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund Agreement No. RC0036 for Lower Jetting Creek Watershed Acquisition. Public Works Director Mertz and City Manager Shepard briefed the Council on the partially forgivable loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund for our acquisition of the lower Jetty Creek Watershed.

Review of Proposed Amendments to Code Chapter 113: Short-Term Rentals. City Manager Shepard briefed the Council on proposed amendments to our Short-Term Rentals (STR) ordinance including:

  • Use of City-provided artwork for the required 24/7 hotline sign
  • Posting of the city’s fireworks prohibition notice inside rental.
  • Establishing an annual 30 rental-day minimum requirement for STR renewal

Review of Neah-Kah-Nie Art & Music Cultural Foundation (NCAM) Wayside Use Application. Council discussed NCAM’s request for use of the Wayside for their Music Festival

The January City Council regular session meeting included the following:

Public Hearing on Ordinance 2026-01: An Ordinance Amending City of Rockaway Beach Comprehensive Plan Policies Relating to the Economy. This hearing allowed public input on proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan policies relating to the economy.

Public Hearing on Ordinance 2026-02: An Ordinance Amending City of Rockaway Beach Zoning Ordinance Definition of Multi-Unit Housing. This hearing allowed public input on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance definition of Multi-Unit Housing.

First & Second Reading of Ordinance 2026-01: An Ordinance Amending City of Rockaway Beach Comprehensive Plan Policies Relating to the Economy. (APPROVED)

Consideration to Adopt Ordinance 2026-01: An Ordinance Amending City of Rockaway Beach Comprehensive Plan Policies Relating to the Economy. (APPROVED)

First & Second Reading of Ordinance 2026-02: An Ordinance Amending City of Rockaway Beach Zoning Ordinance Definition of Multi-Unit Housing. (APPROVED)

Consideration to Adopt Ordinance 2026-02: An Ordinance Amending City of Rockaway Beach Zoning Ordinance Definition of Multi-Unit Housing. (APPROVED)

Consideration to Elect a Council President. Councilor Penny Cheek was nominated to continue as Council President. (APPROVED)

Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-01: A Resolution Adopting Plan of Action for 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Audit Findings. (APPROVED)

Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-02: A Resolution Approving the Expansion and Renaming of the String of Pearls Enterprise Zone. (APPROVED)

Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-03: A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Execute Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Agreement for Lower Jetty Creek Watershed Acquisition. (APPROVED)

Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-04: A Resolution Approving Wayside Use Application for the Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce Kite Festival and Arts & Crafts Festival and Denying Application for Thursday Markets. (APPROVED)

Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-05: A Resolution Approving Wayside Use Application for the Neah-Kah-Nie Art & Music Cultural Foundation (NCAM) Music Festival. (APPROVED)

Executive Session. The City Council met in Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(I) to consider the performance evaluation of a public officer. No Final decision was made.

Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-06: A Resolution Approving City Manager Performance Evaluation Annual Summary. (APPROVED)

Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-07: A Resolution Authorizing Amendments to the Base Rate Compensation for the City Manager. (APPROVED)

If any of the Council activities listed for January are of interest, you can read the meeting materials and view recordings of all Council meetings (except Executive Sessions) on the city website Rockaway Beach Meeting Agendas & Minutes page.

 

ROCKAWAY BEACH PATROL

Unfortunately, we are currently down to two Rockaway Beach Patrol Deputies. Undersheriff Kelly informed City Manager Shepard that one of our deputies requested a transfer to a normal criminal road shift. Kelly also reported that a new deputy is in training and performing exceptionally well. They anticipate that this deputy will be ready for solo duty by February or March at the latest. Once the deputy is released to solo status, they will join the Rockaway Beach Patrol. Fortunately, this is a slow time of year for law enforcement in Rockaway Beach.

On a positive note, the Rockaway Beach Patrol, acting on a tip they received, was able to intervene and confiscate illegal fireworks that were about to be discharged in town on New Years Eve.

 

 

 

 

TILLAMOOK COAST VISITORS’ ASSOCIATION (TCVA)

Tillamook Coast Visitor Association is currently evaluating its mission and purpose going forward. At Tillamook Coast Visitors Association’s request Rockaway Beach is working to transition to a new destination management model. Tillamook Coast Visitor Association will continue to manage the current crop of Façade and Off-Season Marketing grants through June 30, 2026 but the next round of Façade and Off-Season Grants may be delayed. We are proud of and appreciate the work of the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. They have driven ever increasing numbers of tourists to Rockaway Beach with us receiving a record level of transient lodging tax for last summer.

We are working closely with Nan Devlin to ensure the City’s current promotional efforts remain in place through June 30, 2026. Maintaining uninterrupted promotion is critical. The city cannot afford to lose momentum, as both municipal revenues and our local business community depend on strong and consistent visitation.

KEY DATES IN FEBRUARY FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The City Council Workshop is on Wednesday, February 11th at 4:30 pm in the City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room followed by the City Council Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm downstairs in the City Hall Council Room.

The Planning Commission is on Thursday, February 19th at 5:00 pm in the City Hall Council Room.

We offer in-person and virtual options for attending all our meetings. Meetings are recorded so they are available for viewing at your convenience. Agendas and packets are available on our city website. Sign up for our city email list on our city website to have meeting packets sent to you automatically.

The Emergency Preparedness Workshop is on Wednesday, February 4th at 6:00 pm in the City Hall Council Room.

The Coffee with the Mayor and City Manager is Thursday, February 19th at 9:00 am in the City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room.

Please stay informed and engaged!

The most efficient way to keep up to date with your city government is to add your email address to the city’s email list through the City’s website, under News & Announcements or click the Email Subscriptions button on the landing page.

If you have ideas to share; questions or concerns about what is going on in the City of Rockaway Beach, please email me at: cmcneilly@corb.us

I am still listening.